Hard work is needed to debunk the myths society believes about autism, said First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.
Speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Maldives Autism Association, the First Lady said it was wrong for the public to believe that children with autism needed special treatment to cure or to change their different attitudes and behaviours that create differences in how their brains work.
However, hard work is required to clear such misconceptions, she said.
The First Lady stressed that children should be accepted with their differences. All levels of society should provide an environment in which cooperated with children, and allowed them to advocate for their own rights, she stressed.
Recognising the work done by the Autism Centre, the First Lady thanked the center for its efforts to transform the country into a "civilised society".
She also highlighted some people with autism who live successful lives, encouraging families to not be despaired with the diagnosis. Instead, their strengths should be identified and they should be encouraged to harness those talents and skills, she explained.
At the ceremony, the First Lady presented plaques to long-serving employees of the Autism Association.